Bongga Ka, ‘Day! A Disco-Fueled Delight
I went to Bongga Ka, ‘Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical for a reunion, not a review. I was there to catch up with my dear Bisaya friends, Natz and Oli, whom I hadn’t seen in ages. I knew only the iconic ‘70s hit song and, embarrassingly, even thought the musical was based on the Nora Aunor film I’d never watched.
Little did I know that our night out would turn into a disco-filled trip down memory lane, a pleasant theater discovery, and an unexpected opportunity to see for myself what all the fuss surrounding its lead star, Atasha Muhlach, was about.
The Newport Performing Arts Theater at Newport World Resorts was packed with theatergoers young and old. Seeing Filipino theater draw such an enthusiastic crowd was a delight in itself.
Then came the spectacle: larger-than-life rotating sets, colorful props, and a glittering opening that transported us to the glamour of ‘70s Manila. With familiar Hotdog hits filling the theater, the nostalgia was infectious. I may not have known the story, but I certainly felt the rhythm.
Atasha Muhlach Takes Center Stage
I wasn’t aware of the online criticism surrounding Atasha Muhlach, who plays Annie Batungbakal. I had never seen her in a film or other project and knew her mainly as the daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, two stars I grew up admiring.
Watching her, I caught glimpses of her mom’s Miss Universe days and Eezy Dancing era. Still, Atasha brought her own personality to the role. She held her own vocally, and while she may not have the powerhouse birit style many Filipino audiences love, she conveyed Annie’s dreams, determination, disappointments, and hope with sincerity.
Was it a flawless performance? Not necessarily, but I found it engaging. She is a young performer with room to grow, and this role gives her an opportunity to develop her craft while establishing an identity of her own.
KD Estrada, playing Annie’s love interest, was another pleasant discovery. Charming and charismatic, he can sing, dance, and act, with stage presence that keeps you watching. I honestly didn’t know he was already a TV and movie actor!
Anthony Rosaldo also stood out for me. I enjoyed his theatrical flair and confident performance, which added another layer of energy to the production.
Together, the cast delivered a funny, entertaining musical that celebrates Filipino music and the disco era with plenty of heart.
Beyond the Nepo Baby Label
The criticism surrounding the young stars made me curious. Is the nepo baby label sometimes getting in the way of seeing performers for what they actually bring to the stage?
From what I understand, the cast members auditioned for their roles. And based on what I saw, they contributed to a production that entertained me from beginning to end.
Of course, audiences are entitled to their opinions, and constructive criticism is part of any artist’s growth. But I believe performers deserve to be assessed on their work, not simply on their family names.
A famous surname may open doors, but what happens onstage still matters. Atasha has more to learn, as most young performers do, but I’d rather watch her grow than dismiss her before she has the chance.
A Night Worth Remembering
What I loved about Bongga Ka, ‘Day! was its mix of humor, nostalgia, music, and spectacle. It reminded me that you don’t have to be a seasoned theatergoer to enjoy a good musical. Sometimes, all you need is an open mind and a willingness to be entertained.
I came for a reunion with two dear friends and left with a smile and a renewed appreciation for Filipino live theater.
If you’re ready to revisit the glitz and glamour of Manila’s legendary disco scene, expect dazzling sets, lively performances, and the timeless hits of Hotdog, Bongga Ka, ‘Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical runs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, until October 31 only.
Go for the music, the nostalgia, and the spectacle. You might just leave humming a familiar tune and literally feel, Bongga! 🕺🪩💃
